Doctoral Research Associates in Chemical Biology of Ion Channels

45,000 students and 8,000 employees in teaching, research and administration, all working together to shape perspectives for the future – that is the University of Münster (WWU). Embedded in the vibrant atmosphere of Münster with its high standard of living, the University’s diverse research profile and attractive study programmes draw students and researchers throughout Germany and from around the world.

The research training group Chemical Biology of Ion Channels (Chembion) at the University of Münster (WWU), Germany, is seeking to fill 13 positions for

Doctoral Research Associates
Wissenschaftliche/r Mitarbeiter/in
(salary level TV-L E 13, 65 %)

commencing on 1 October 2022. The 13 fixed-term full-time positions being offered are externally funded for 3 years until 30 September 2025.

Your tasks

The positions are tied to working towards a doctorate. 13 scientists from the University of Münster have teamed up, bringing their complementary expertise to focus on the chemical biology of ion channels. The interdisciplinary research activities are centred on five topics: ligand recognition, subtype specific modulation, molecular imaging, molecular and cellular physiology, integrative (patho)physiology. Our vision for this interdisciplinary project is to solve physiological questions in the field of ion channels using innovative chemical methods, to bring together the molecular world of chemistry/pharmacy and the activity-centred world of medicine, and to promote the internationalization of our doctoral students.

We will provide a structured 3-year cutting-edge PhD training program in and beyond the fields mentioned above.

Our expectations

We are looking for highly motivated and talented PhD students holding a state examination degree in pharmacy or medicine or, alternatively, a master’s degree in chemistry or biology. Excellent command of spoken and written English, communication skills as well as team spirit are essential. German language skills are not a requirement, but a willingness to learn is desirable.

Advantages for you

We are offering a competitive, interdisciplinary environment with a track record of intense mutual collaboration. In addition to the individual training-through-research our program includes further elements such as a 3-6 month internship abroad, retreats, lab rotation and symposia.

List of participating scientists and projects

Thomas Budde (tbudde@uni-muenster.de)
Modulation of HCN channel function in the thalamocortical system by subtype-specific compounds and inflammatory conditions

Martina Düfer (martina.duefer@uni-muenster.de)
Modulation of insulin secretion by NMDA receptors and Ca2+-regulated K+ channels

Frank Glorius (glorius@uni-muenster.de)
Exploration of molecule – ion channel interactions

Petra Hundehege (Petra.Hundehege@ukmuenster.de)
Ion channels in immune regulation

Joachim Jose (Joachim.Jose@uni-muenster.de)
Autodisplay of the NMDAR GluN1/2A ligand binding domains
MST based assay for HCN channel activator identification

Anna Junker (a_junk@uni-muenster.de)
Development of novel, subtype-specific HCN channel ligands

Oliver Koch (oliver.koch@uni-muenster.de)
In-silico studies of ion channels using molecular dynamics simulation and computational molecular design with focus on KCa3.1 and HCN channels

Annika Lüttjohann (Annika.Luettjohann@ukmuenster.de)
Effect of subtype specific HCN channel blocker on pre-epileptic and epileptic activity

Albrecht Schwab (aschwab@uni-muenster.de)
KCa3.1 channels in tumor pathophysiology

Guiscard Seebohm (guiscard.seebohm@ukmuenster.de)
Cation channel ligands, binding sites and cellular sections

Timo Strünker (timo.struenker@ukmuenster.de)
The action of prostaglandins on CatSper Ca2+ channels in human sperm

Louisa Temme (louisa.temme@uni-muenster.de)
Development of steroid-based cation channel ligands

Bernhard Wünsch (wuensch@uni-muenster.de)
Subtype selective NMDA receptor ligands

Further details can be obtained from the respective PIs or the spokesperson (wuensch@uni-muenster.de).

The University of Münster is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to increasing the proportion of women academics. Consequently, we actively encourage applications by women. Female candidates with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered within the framework of the legal possibilities.

The University of Münster is committed to employing more staff with disabilities. Candidates with recognised severe disabilities who have equivalent qualifications are given preference in hiring decisions.

Are you interested? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 20 May 2022.

Your application should include the following:

• a motivation letter (0.5 pages)
• your CV
• copies of relevant certificates
• a prioritized list of up to three preferred Chembion laboratories

Please submit the application electronically as a single PDF to the coordinator of the Research Training Group Dr Judith Stepper: jstepper@uni-muenster.de

Please note that we cannot consider other file formats.

Westfälischen Wilhelms-Universität
Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie
Corrensstraße 48
D-48149 Münster
Deutschland